Apple Festival 2005 Sunday, 2 October 2005 Highlights

1) Johnny Appleseed gave a fantastic talk at Fulford Hall about his incredible life, his philosophy and his contribution to pomology. This is his first appearance anywhere since his death in 1845.  It is thought to be the magical power of all those organically grown apples which has drawn him back from the spirit world.  He has promised to return in 2006.

2) Captain Apple, a new south Salt Spring superhero also gave a great speech stressing the importance of  children eating organic foods and also showing what humans can learn from apples.

Captain Apple
photo by Derrik Lundy

3) 15 farms, many not normally open to the public, were on the Apple Festival tour.

4) A display of 264 organically grown apple varieties from Salt Spring were shown at Fulford Hall. Very powerful when all displayed in one spot. This entire collection was sold to the highest bidder right after the show for $300, with this money going back to the growers who made it possible. It is hoped that this money will encourage them to continue next year to assemble this fabulous collection.

Fulford Hall Apple Display
photo by Ron Watts

5) Artists such as Amarah Gabriel who does the lifelike apple paintings shown below. WOW

Amarah Gabriel
photo by Geri Alton

6) Apple Luscious Organic Orchard had over 100 apple varieties for tasting at their farm.  They grow over 200 varieties including 23 red-flesh varieties.

Apple Varieties at Apple Luscious
photo by Ron Watts

7) This gives you a bit of an idea of what an incredible event, our little Apple Festival really is. Another real indication of success for me is that both locals and visitors love the festival. We also have not let it get commercial. There are no other places I know in North America where over 350 varieties of apples are grown organically. That is why we call Salt Spring, APPLE HEAVEN.

8) Tasting of over 150 apple varieties including the red-fleshed Pink Pearmain apple show below.

Pink Pearmain
photo by Ron Watts

9) The banner below is 4 foot by 8 foot and made by a local award winning fabric artist. Susan Paynter just receive 1st prize in a Canada wide quilting competition. In real Salt Spring  synergy, it just happened. We never asked her to do it. She just went ahead and did it. 

WOW. That is one of the real unique things about Salt Spring.

Banner by Susan Paynter
photo by Derrick Lundy

10) Mary Mollet who was born and raised on Salt Spring is now over 80 and still is crazy about apples. She is just about to release a 2nd volume of her well known apple cookbook called AN APPLE A DAY. Now there is a real case of optimism.

Mary Mollet
photo by Derrick Lundy

Become a Salt Spring Island Apple Connoisseur. It will change your idea of apples forever.